A July 2012 Gallup poll puts the percentage of American adults who say
they consider themselves vegetarian at 5%, and those who consider themselves
vegans--who eat no meat or dairy products--at 2%.

Do they know something everyone else doesn't?

Far more Americans in a 2006 Gallup poll said they eat red meat and dairy
regularly: 60% and 71%, respectively.

But of course, that isn't necessarily confirmation of the benefits of
meat and dairy: Good health, like good sense, does not always reside with
the majority.

No one is arguing that Americans should be required to eat meat or dairy
products--or broccoli, for that matter. For many people, the decision comes
down to convenience, habit and taste.

But whatever you currently like to eat, digging into some of the issues
that define this debate could be good for your health. Indeed, there's
obviously more at stake here than pleasing our taste buds.